Coral and mollusc resistance to ocean acidification adversely affected by warming

Increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentrations are expectedto decrease surface ocean pH by 0.3–0.5 units by 2100, lowering the carbonate ion concentration of surfacewaters. This rapid acidification is predicted to dramatically decrease calcification in many marine organisms. Reduced skeletal growth under increased CO₂ levels has already been shown for corals, molluscs and many other marine organisms. The impact of acidification on the ability of individual species to calcify has remained elusive, however, as measuring net calcification fails to disentangle the relative contributions of gross calcification and dissolution rates on growth. Here, we show that corals and molluscs transplanted along gradients of carbonate saturation state at Mediterranean CO₂ vents are able to calcify and grow at even faster than normal rates when exposed to the high CO₂ levels projected for the next 300 years. Calcifiers remain at risk, however, owing to the dissolution of exposed shells and skeletons that occurs as pH levels fall. Our results show that tissues and external organic layers play a major role in protecting shells and skeletons from corrosive sea water, limiting dissolution and allowing organisms to calcify. Our combined field and laboratory results demonstrate that the adverse effects of global warming are exacerbated when high temperatures coincide with acidification.

Rodolfo-Metalpa R., Houlbreque F., Tambutte E., Boisson F., Baggini C., Patti F. P., Jeffree R., Fine M., Foggo A., Gattuso J.-P., & Hall-Spencer J. M., in press. Coral and mollusc resistance to ocean acidification adversely affected by warming. Nature Climate Change doi:10.1038/nclimate1200. Article (subscription required).